axial muscle

noun

Meaning

A muscle located along the central axis of the body, including those of the head, neck, and trunk, which primarily support posture and movement of the spine.

Examples

  • The abdominal wall contains several important axial muscles that help maintain core stability.
  • During the anatomy lecture, the professor explained how axial muscles differ from appendicular muscles in their functional role.

Synonyms: core muscle, trunk muscle, axial skeletal muscle